Thank You for a Great Start to Our Lenten Mission!
Thank you to everyone who joined us for the first night of our Lenten Mission! It was a great turnout. Fr. Kevin Cook, pastor of Our Lady of Mt. Carmel in Seekonk, gave a powerful reflection on the Cross and Hope, inviting us to deepen our trust in Christ. He unpacked the theological understanding of hope as we are in this Jubilee Year of Hope, and challenged us to place all our hope in Christ, even in the midst of life’s trials.
If you weren’t able to attend, you can listen to a recording of the talk here.
If you weren’t able to attend, you can listen to a recording of the talk here.
MOSJ Men's Night This Thursday
Mark Your Calendars for the Next Lenten Mission Talk!
Join us on Thursday, March 27th, at 7 PM as we continue our Lenten Mission series and welcome home Deacon Tony Pimental! Many of you remember Deacon Tony as a longtime parishioner before his ordination in 2019. He now serves at St. Gabriel’s Parish in New Bedford, and we’re excited to have him back to share with us on the topic of the Eucharist and Hope.
Please note: There will be no Mission talk this coming week due to our Men’s Night on Thursday. The series will resume in two weeks.
Please note: There will be no Mission talk this coming week due to our Men’s Night on Thursday. The series will resume in two weeks.
SFX Lenten Mission Series Schedule 2025
This Wednesday, we celebrate the Solemnity of St. Joseph. We will have an additional Mass at 6:30 PM, concluding by 7 PM in time for the Women of Grace meeting. All are welcome to join us as we honor this great saint.
Below are a couple of links with ideas for celebrating the feast day, including how to set up a St. Joseph table/altar at home.
Below are a couple of links with ideas for celebrating the feast day, including how to set up a St. Joseph table/altar at home.
Our First-Class Relic of St. Francis Xavier
Last weekend, in honor of the Novena of Grace (March 4-12), I displayed our first-class relic of St. Francis Xavier at all the Masses. A first-class relic means it is a piece of the saint himself—in this case a piece of bone. I unexpectedly discovered this relic last summer in the church basement, stored in a tote with old records, along with its certificate of authenticity in Latin, which I’ve included below with a translation.
I first displayed the relic for his feast day on December 3rd, mentioning it in the bulletin, but I’m grateful to share more about it with you here. In the fall, I ordered a beautiful reliquary from Italy to house it properly. Though it arrived only a few weeks ago, it came just in time for the Novena of Grace, allowing us to reverently display this treasured relic of our holy patron for years to come.
I first displayed the relic for his feast day on December 3rd, mentioning it in the bulletin, but I’m grateful to share more about it with you here. In the fall, I ordered a beautiful reliquary from Italy to house it properly. Though it arrived only a few weeks ago, it came just in time for the Novena of Grace, allowing us to reverently display this treasured relic of our holy patron for years to come.
Fr. Bernardinus of Siena
Causes of the Servants of God, Order of Friars Minor Capuchin
Postulator General
To all who inspect this letter, we affirm and testify that we have received from authentic sources and have lawfully recognized a particle from the bones of St. Francis Xavier, Confessor.
We have reverently placed it in a metal case in the shape of a tube, enclosed in crystal, tied with silk thread inside, and sealed with our small seal in Spanish red wax. We have given this relic as a gift with the faculty to devoutly retain it, to give it to others, or to expose it for public veneration of the faithful, provided that permission is obtained from those with the proper authority.
We admonish the faithful, in whose hands these sacred relics now or in the future may come, that under no circumstances is it permitted to sell them or exchange them for anything that carries a monetary value.
In witness whereof, we have issued this letter, signed by our own hand, and secured with our greater seal, with instructions that it be faithfully kept together with the reliquary.
Given in Rome, at the General Curia
On the 5th day of May, in the year 1955
Fr. Bernardinus of Siena
Postulator General
Causes of the Servants of God, Order of Friars Minor Capuchin
Postulator General
To all who inspect this letter, we affirm and testify that we have received from authentic sources and have lawfully recognized a particle from the bones of St. Francis Xavier, Confessor.
We have reverently placed it in a metal case in the shape of a tube, enclosed in crystal, tied with silk thread inside, and sealed with our small seal in Spanish red wax. We have given this relic as a gift with the faculty to devoutly retain it, to give it to others, or to expose it for public veneration of the faithful, provided that permission is obtained from those with the proper authority.
We admonish the faithful, in whose hands these sacred relics now or in the future may come, that under no circumstances is it permitted to sell them or exchange them for anything that carries a monetary value.
In witness whereof, we have issued this letter, signed by our own hand, and secured with our greater seal, with instructions that it be faithfully kept together with the reliquary.
Given in Rome, at the General Curia
On the 5th day of May, in the year 1955
Fr. Bernardinus of Siena
Postulator General
Rite of Election last Sunday at the Cathedral
Last Sunday afternoon, we celebrated the Rite of Election and the Call to Continuing Conversion at the Cathedral. This annual ceremony, held every First Sunday of Lent, brings together all those in the Order of Christian Initiation of Adults (OCIA) from across the diocese who are preparing to enter the Church at Easter. Catechumens—those who will be baptized—write their names in the Book of the Elect, an ancient tradition marking their final weeks of preparation.
This year, 75 catechumens and 25 candidates from 33 parishes participated in the ceremony with the Bishop.
Click here to read the Bishop’s blog about the event.
Below is a photo of two of our four individuals preparing to be received into the Church at SFX this year. To my left is Gerry, a catechumen, with his sponsor Deborah, and next to them is Brandon, a candidate, with his sponsor Derek. Not pictured are Max and Andrew, both catechumens who will be baptized at Easter.
Please keep them in your prayers!
This year, 75 catechumens and 25 candidates from 33 parishes participated in the ceremony with the Bishop.
Click here to read the Bishop’s blog about the event.
Below is a photo of two of our four individuals preparing to be received into the Church at SFX this year. To my left is Gerry, a catechumen, with his sponsor Deborah, and next to them is Brandon, a candidate, with his sponsor Derek. Not pictured are Max and Andrew, both catechumens who will be baptized at Easter.
Please keep them in your prayers!
At the School this Week
Each month, during the second week, our students have adoration by cohort. We are usually blessed to have the Maronite Sisters visit, leading the students in guided prayer and catechesis.
Since the Sisters were unable to join us this week, students in grades 4-8 instead spent their adoration time quietly reflecting on a Lenten Gospel passage using a guided reflection sheet. This allowed them to engage with Scripture in a personal way and apply it to their own lives.
Since the Sisters were unable to join us this week, students in grades 4-8 instead spent their adoration time quietly reflecting on a Lenten Gospel passage using a guided reflection sheet. This allowed them to engage with Scripture in a personal way and apply it to their own lives.
Principal for a Day
On the same day as Adoration, we also celebrated our annual Principal for a Day! The hardworking student who raised the most in last month’s Fun Run had the honor of stepping into the role of Principal, joined by a classmate serving as Assistant Principal.
Both boys are in second grade and members of our First Communion class at the parish. As part of their big day, they had a morning meeting over Dunkin’ Donuts with the pastor to discuss the needs of the school. They had a lot to say—unfortunately, being in second grade, their ideas mostly revolved around longer recess and a total ban on homework. Still, it was a great meeting!
On the same day as Adoration, we also celebrated our annual Principal for a Day! The hardworking student who raised the most in last month’s Fun Run had the honor of stepping into the role of Principal, joined by a classmate serving as Assistant Principal.
Both boys are in second grade and members of our First Communion class at the parish. As part of their big day, they had a morning meeting over Dunkin’ Donuts with the pastor to discuss the needs of the school. They had a lot to say—unfortunately, being in second grade, their ideas mostly revolved around longer recess and a total ban on homework. Still, it was a great meeting!
School Benefit Banquet Tickets On Sale Now!
Join us for our Annual Benefit Banquet on Friday, May 2nd, at St. John Neumann in East Freetown.
Click here to purchase tickets, sponsor a teacher, or make a donation to Call of the Heart!
Last year’s banquet sold out, so don’t wait—get your tickets today!
Click here for information on Benefit Banquet 2025 sponsorship levels.
Thank you for your support!
Click here to purchase tickets, sponsor a teacher, or make a donation to Call of the Heart!
Last year’s banquet sold out, so don’t wait—get your tickets today!
Click here for information on Benefit Banquet 2025 sponsorship levels.
Thank you for your support!
We are in need of adorers for the following hours:
- Wednesdays 11:30 PM-12:30 AM
- Fridays 11:00 PM-12:00 AM
If you are interested in spending an hour with the Lord, please call or text Mary Cardoza at 774-526-1444 or speak with Fr. Ryan.
Youth Living Stations - Volunteers Needed
Once again this year, on Friday, April 11th (the Friday before Good Friday), we will have our annual presentation of the Living Stations of the Cross.
Students in grades 4-12 are invited to participate! If you're interested, please speak with Mrs. Louise Hebert or Mrs. Mary Cardoza or sign up on the sheet at the church entrance.
Important Dates:
Info Meeting: Sunday, March 30th at 6 PM in the Hospitality Room (roles will be assigned).
Rehearsal: Sunday, April 6th from 6-8 PM.
Students in grades 4-12 are invited to participate! If you're interested, please speak with Mrs. Louise Hebert or Mrs. Mary Cardoza or sign up on the sheet at the church entrance.
Important Dates:
Info Meeting: Sunday, March 30th at 6 PM in the Hospitality Room (roles will be assigned).
Rehearsal: Sunday, April 6th from 6-8 PM.
On the Bulletin Cover this weekend...
Blessed Marcel Callo (6 December 1921 – 19 March 1945)
Feast Day: March 19th
Feast Day: March 19th
Beatified in 1987
A devout French Catholic and a leader in the Young Christian Workers, was a printer’s apprentice whose deep faith and joyful spirit led him to serve others—even in Nazi-occupied France—until he was arrested by the Gestapo for being “too Catholic” and sent to a concentration camp, where he died a martyr at just 23 years old.
Looking for deeper insight into this weekend’s readings? Check out this reflection from my favorite biblical scholar, Dr. John Bergsma
Spots in our 4 year old program are filling up fast!
Congratulations to the Santiago Family!
Olivia Santiago, baptized at SFX, March 9th, 2025
Two parishioners reached out today after receiving emails from scammers pretending to be me, asking them to buy gift cards. Unfortunately, this is a common scam targeting churches and other organizations. Scammers create fake email accounts and change the display name to make it look like the message is from me.
Please know that I will never ask you to buy gift cards via email. Sadly, some people have fallen victim to these scams, losing large amounts of money.
If you ever receive a suspicious email and aren’t sure, feel free to call the parish office or email me directly.
Please know that I will never ask you to buy gift cards via email. Sadly, some people have fallen victim to these scams, losing large amounts of money.
If you ever receive a suspicious email and aren’t sure, feel free to call the parish office or email me directly.
Parish Improvements
After needing repairs for quite some time due to rotten posts, we were finally able to replace part of the fence along Main Street this week! The frozen ground had delayed the work, but with the recent thaw, we could finally move forward.
(Nice to be fixing it for a reason other than a car driving through it this time! 😅)
Thank you for your continued support of the parish!
(Nice to be fixing it for a reason other than a car driving through it this time! 😅)
Thank you for your continued support of the parish!
A Thank You from the Diocese Pro-Life Office
Mass Times
Sunday: 8:00 AM | 10:30 AM
Saturday Vigil: 4:00 PM
Monday–Saturday: 9:00 AM
Sunday: 8:00 AM | 10:30 AM
Saturday Vigil: 4:00 PM
Monday–Saturday: 9:00 AM
First Friday: 9:00 AM | 6:00 PM
Adoration Times
Monday-Friday
6:30am-8:45am, 9:30am-8:30pm
Saturday
6:30am-8:45am, 9:30am-2:45pm
6:30am-8:45am, 9:30am-8:30pm
Saturday
6:30am-8:45am, 9:30am-2:45pm
Confession Times
Monday: 5:30–6:30 PM
Saturday: 9:30–10:00 AM | 3:00–3:45 PM
Monday: 5:30–6:30 PM
Saturday: 9:30–10:00 AM | 3:00–3:45 PM
First Friday: 6:45–7:15 PM
Anytime by Appointment
To add someone to this weekly newsletter, they can either text the word ACUSHNET to 84576 or sign up at sfxparish.flocknote.com.